Overview
Producing UK-wide census totals for 2021 presented a challenge. While England, Wales, and Northern Ireland conducted their censuses in 2021, Scotland’s census was postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The solution, developed through a collaboration of the three UK census agencies – the Office for National Statistics (ONS, covering England and Wales), National Records of Scotland (NRS) and NISRA – was to create interpolated Scotland values for 2021, based on Scotland’s 2011 and 2022 censuses. The interpolated values were then added to the Census 2021 data for the other parts of the UK.
What’s included
The publication features a range of tables covering key census topics. To ensure accurate interpretation, we strongly recommend reading the accompanying quality and methodology guide, which outlines:
- the strengths and limitations of the interpolation approach
- guidance on alternative methods for UK-wide comparisons
- important notes on subnational data (not included in this release)
Access the dataset and the quality and methodology guide
Important notes
Please be aware that:
- The UK and GB totals, as well as the interpolated Scotland figures for 2021, are not accredited official statistics.
- The interpolated Scotland data do not replace the official results from Scotland’s 2022 Census, which remain the definitive source for Scottish census statistics.
A comparison of questions asked in the 2021 and 2022 UK censuses
Discover how census questions in Northern Ireland compared to those in the rest of the UK in 2021 and 2022. While many questions were harmonised, some reflected local needs and priorities.